Mike Krzyzewski Reveals NCAA Tournament Team He’s ‘Pulling For’ Besides Duke.
As the NCAA Tournament looms large in the world of college basketball, there’s often a sense of anticipation and excitement that fills the air. Fans, analysts, and former players alike all eagerly analyze the bracket and decide who their favorites are, often with a sense of pride for teams they feel deserve to go far. But for Mike Krzyzewski, who has built an illustrious legacy with Duke University, his allegiance is likely to be closely tied to his own Blue Devils, especially given his long-standing association with the program.
However, during the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Coach K has surprised fans with a candid admission—he revealed which team he’s “pulling for” besides Duke, adding a layer of intrigue to his perspective as a figure whose influence on college basketball is unparalleled. While it’s natural to assume that he would have a bias toward his former team, it’s evident that Krzyzewski’s admiration for college basketball extends beyond the Blue Devils and that his love for the game transcends program loyalty.
In this piece, we’ll explore which NCAA Tournament team Mike Krzyzewski is backing, why his choice has garnered attention, and the significance of his endorsement in the context of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
The Legacy of Mike Krzyzewski and His Impact on College Basketball
Before delving into Krzyzewski’s surprising team of choice, it’s essential to understand the magnitude of his influence on college basketball. Mike Krzyzewski, or simply Coach K, is a name synonymous with success, discipline, and unparalleled achievement in the world of college basketball. As the head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, Krzyzewski transformed the program into one of the most successful and well-respected in NCAA history.
Under Krzyzewski’s leadership, Duke captured five national championships, made 12 Final Four appearances, and claimed 15 ACC Tournament titles. The Blue Devils became a juggernaut in the world of college hoops, known not only for their talent but for their commitment to development and team-first mentality. Coach K’s impact extended far beyond the Xs and Os of the game, as he shaped generations of players who went on to succeed both in the NBA and beyond. Many of the players who played under Coach K, including Grant Hill, Christian Laettner, and Zion Williamson, have gone on to become basketball legends in their own right.
With such a prestigious career, Coach K’s insights are highly valued by players, fans, and analysts. His opinion on the state of college basketball, especially during the NCAA Tournament, is often treated as authoritative. So, when Coach K speaks about which team he’s pulling for during the tournament, it’s something that garners attention and sparks discussion across the college basketball community.
Coach K’s NCAA Tournament Allegiance: Who is He ‘Pulling For’?
In an interview that took place during the build-up to the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Mike Krzyzewski made an unexpected revelation about his allegiance. While he remains deeply invested in Duke’s performance and hopes for their success, he revealed that he was also “pulling for” the Kansas Jayhawks in the tournament.
This revelation came as a surprise to many, given Krzyzewski’s deep ties to Duke and his competitive nature. After all, Duke and Kansas share a storied history of matchups, particularly in the tournament. However, Krzyzewski’s decision to support the Jayhawks makes sense when considering his respect for Bill Self, the head coach of Kansas, and his admiration for the Jayhawks’ program.
Why Kansas? A Team that Earned Krzyzewski’s Admiration
While Krzyzewski’s endorsement of Kansas may seem surprising at first, it becomes more understandable when we take into account several key factors that have led to his admiration for the program.
- Mutual Respect Between Coaches: Bill Self and Mike Krzyzewski
At the heart of Krzyzewski’s endorsement of Kansas is his long-standing professional relationship with Bill Self, the head coach of the Jayhawks. Bill Self has built one of the most respected and consistent programs in college basketball, with Kansas consistently ranked among the top teams in the country year after year.
Self’s style of coaching has much in common with Krzyzewski’s own principles, particularly in terms of building a cohesive, disciplined team. Both coaches prioritize the development of their players, not just as athletes but as individuals who understand the importance of hard work, teamwork, and commitment. Krzyzewski has often spoken highly of Self’s ability to recruit talent, develop players, and lead a successful program, and there is no doubt that this mutual respect influenced his decision to support Kansas in the tournament.
- Kansas’ Success and Reputation
Kansas has long been one of the most successful programs in NCAA basketball history. The Jayhawks have won four NCAA championships and have made numerous Final Four appearances. Kansas’ reputation as a powerhouse in college hoops is built on a foundation of excellence, and under Bill Self’s leadership, the team has achieved great success in both the regular season and the NCAA Tournament.
In the 2025 season, Kansas was once again a powerhouse. The Jayhawks’ balanced and explosive offense, combined with their stout defense, made them one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament. Kansas was poised to make a deep run, with players like Jalen Wilson, Gradey Dick, and KJ Adams leading the charge.
Given the pedigree of Kansas basketball, it’s easy to see why Coach K would have a soft spot for the program. Kansas’ consistency, discipline, and commitment to success on the national stage align with the values that Coach K instilled in his own Duke teams throughout his tenure.
- The Kansas-Duke Rivalry: A Respectful Connection
While Kansas and Duke have certainly crossed paths on the court, particularly in high-profile tournament games, their rivalry has always been one built on mutual respect. Both programs have made their mark in NCAA basketball, and although their battles on the court are fierce, the coaches have always held each other in high regard.
One of the most memorable moments between Kansas and Duke came in the 2018 Elite Eight, when the Jayhawks edged out the Blue Devils in a thrilling matchup. While that game was a tough loss for Duke, it was evident that both teams respected each other’s talent and tenacity. After all, it’s not every day that you see two of college basketball’s elite programs facing off on the biggest stage, and the admiration between both coaching staffs was palpable.
This mutual respect allowed Coach K to cheer for Kansas without any sense of rivalry getting in the way. Even though he has spent his career competing against the very best programs, Krzyzewski’s love for the game and respect for coaches like Bill Self allowed him to support Kansas’ quest for another championship.
- Kansas’ Role in Advancing College Basketball’s Legacy
Finally, Krzyzewski has always been an advocate for the growth and development of college basketball as a whole. He has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining the tradition and integrity of the game, and he has supported programs that contribute to that vision. Kansas has played a significant role in shaping the history and future of college basketball, with its consistently strong teams and commitment to excellence.
For Krzyzewski, supporting a program like Kansas, which carries on this legacy, makes perfect sense. Kansas has consistently been a representative of the best that college basketball has to offer, and Krzyzewski has always been an advocate for the preservation of that tradition.
The Impact of Krzyzewski’s Endorsement
Krzyzewski’s endorsement of Kansas carries weight, especially in the context of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. As one of the most revered figures in the history of college basketball, his words and actions resonate across the basketball world. Coach K’s support of Kansas is a sign of respect, and it shines a light on the Jayhawks’ reputation as one of the premier programs in the nation.
This endorsement also provides a sense of legitimacy for Kansas’ NCAA Tournament aspirations. Fans and analysts alike know that Krzyzewski’s opinion is one that is rooted in a deep understanding of the game. When he says he’s “pulling for” Kansas, it reinforces the idea that the Jayhawks are more than capable of making a championship run, and it adds an additional layer of intrigue to their tournament journey.
